The Building of St Edward's School: A Chronology (1870 - 2020)

P AGE N O : 131

2020 - Plaque erected on Fisher Field to re-affirm the naming of the easternmost School astro-turf pitch after the School’s seventh Warden Francis (Frank) Fisher. Present were Charles Cooper (OSE) and Cassie Cooper whose father and grandfather had respectively opened the field in 1991 (“Chronicle’’). 2021 - Cooper Lodge Boarding House opens together with the new Sing’s Boarding House in it’s new incarnation as a Co-educational House (in Kendall Quad). Both events delayed by the Covid pandemic (“Chronicle”). A new Triptych for the back wall behind the main altar designed by Peter Lloyd-Jones introduced. Made up of three Roundels, there were several delays due to the Pandemic (“Chronicle’ January 2021). 2022 - New Christie Centre opens in June (“Chronicle”). Extension to Avenue House 2023 - In the Summer, during renovations to the Warden’s House, a mural hidden for decades below the dado level was revealed. It brought a fascinating glimpse into decorating styles of the 1870s when William Wilkinson designed the original residence for Algernon and Beatrice Simeon and their young family. The original designs were restored by a local conservator to stabilise them and make them safe for future generations (“Chronicle” Summer 2023). 2025 - The prolonged build of the new Gatehouse now nearing completion. Designed by Nick Hardy of TSH Architects, it is made to the highest standards and mostly hand made. Expected completion Winter Term.

NOTE: All historical financial comparison calculations are taken from the Stephen Morley website “Historical UK Inflation rates and calculator’ between 1751-2025

LOCAL PROPERTIES PURCHASED BY THE SCHOOL SOUTH PARADE No 27 & 28 - ‘Cottage with stables’ - Purchased 1874 ‘The Hollies’ - Purchased 1878

OAKTHORPE ROAD No. 42 - Purchased 1931 No. 63 - Purchased 1936, Sold 1996

No. 32 - Purchased 1939 No. 50 - Purchased 1959 No. 48 - Purchased 1960